The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cellular responses. Secondly, benefits related to specific musculoskeletal tissues are discussed, with practical applications and training programmes clearly outlined for both common musculoskeletal disorders and primary prevention strategies

Community Exercise for persons with multiple sclerosis - effect on exercise participation

Exercise is consistently recognised as an important and efficacious management strategy for the symptoms and consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS), however many persons with MS do not engage in sufficient exercise to accrue health benefits. We are conducting a randomised controlled trial for examining the feasibility of remote-delivery of a home-based exercise programme for up to 5 months. The individually completed programme will include 2 sessions of aerobic walking and 2 sessions of resistance training per week, and include instruction from an exercise physiologist via email and telephone and supervision via text message, and telephone/videophone. After 4 months of individually completed programme the programme will be tested as both an individually completed programme and as a “buddy” group programme for an additional month to assess for cost effective translation and exercise adherence. We will further monitor for adherence and health outcomes 6 months post intervention. We will recruit persons with mild-moderate MS, and they will be randomly allocated to receive the intervention or act as participants in the control group. We will provide intervention participants with a basic at-home exercise programme and this will be progressed systematically. Outcomes will be collected via internet questionnaires and will determine exercise participation, MS related symptoms and aspects of exercise participation motivation and adherence. We aim to determine whether our exercise programme can be translated to clinical care and to see if it provides positive health outcomes to persons with MS

Type of Exercise Training and Training Methods

There is general agreement that exercise train-ing leads to functional, morphological, and metabolic adaptations of different biological systems, thereby increasing overall physical performance and promoting good health. Thus, an active lifestyle is propagated in all age groups. However, not every exercise routine or workout is suitable for everyone. Inappropriate training can also pose risks, and too low or too high training intensity or volume often does not lead to the expected success. To ensure signifi-cant benefits, specific principles and strategies need to be considered and accustomed to the individual.This chapter summarizes the key exercise variables and training principles to consider when developing a training program to improve or maintain performance and health. In addi-tion, the various steps for creating an individ-ual training program are described, and an overview of the different training methods and training strategies is given